Asian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect balance of tender, juicy bite and punchy, mouthwatering flavor, look no further than these Asian Chicken Meatballs. Each little meatball is packed with fresh aromatics, tossed in a glossy, umami-rich glaze, and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, piling them onto fluffy rice for dinner, or sneaking a few cold from the fridge, these meatballs will instantly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Asian Chicken Meatballs is just how effortless the ingredient list is—every item brings something to the table, from texture to bold flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to get the most out of each one.

• Ground chicken: Lean, mild, and ideal for absorbing all those incredible seasonings without being heavy.
• Garlic (minced): Essential for aromatic depth and that signature savory kick.
• Ginger (grated): Brings warmth and a bit of zing—fresh ginger makes all the difference here, so grate it just before using.
• Green onions (thinly sliced): Adds brightness and color right into each meatball.
• Breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender, providing just enough structure.
• Soy sauce: Salty, savory, and totally key to that unmistakable umami flavor.
• Hoisin sauce: Sweet, tangy, and complex, giving the meatballs a boost of depth and color.
• Sesame oil: Adds a little nuttiness and classic Asian aroma that infuses the whole dish.
• Egg: Works as the binder, holding all those tasty ingredients together.
• Olive oil (for cooking): For a perfect, golden crust on your meatballs—don’t skimp on this step.
• Low-sodium soy sauce (for glaze): Makes a luscious, shiny glaze, and using low-sodium keeps it from overpowering the dish.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey balances out the saltiness and helps the glaze cling to every bite.
• Rice vinegar: Gives a gentle tangy sharpness that rounds out the glaze.
• Cornstarch mixed with water: Thickens the glaze in a flash, so it hugs each meatball perfectly.
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish: Sprinkle these on at the end for a little crunch and a burst of color.

How to Make Asian Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, garlic, ginger, green onions, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and egg. Using a fork or clean hands, gently mix until just combined—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough. Scoop out a heaping tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into roughly 1-inch balls, placing them on a plate or baking sheet as you go. This step is as hands-on as it gets and honestly, kind of fun! You’ll end up with about 16-20 meatballs, ready for the skillet.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the meatballs into the pan in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them, so if needed, work in batches. Cook for 5-6 minutes, turning every couple of minutes so all sides are beautifully browned. The meatballs should be cooked through and springy to the touch. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you make the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat—this happens quickly, so don’t walk away! Give the cornstarch and water a good stir to make sure there are no lumps, then pour it into the saucepan. Continue stirring for another 1-2 minutes as the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Your kitchen will smell amazing, trust me.

Step 4: Glaze and Toss the Meatballs

Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet (make sure it’s wiped clean if needed), then pour the hot glaze over them. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the meatballs so every nook and cranny gets coated with that shiny, savory sauce. Let them simmer together for a minute or two—this helps the flavors mingle and gives the glaze time to stick.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Transfer your glazed Asian Chicken Meatballs to a serving platter or right onto a bed of rice or noodles. Shower with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a final flourish. That last little sprinkle makes the dish look as joyful as it tastes—and the crunch is unbeatable!

How to Serve Asian Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A scattering of toasted sesame seeds gives your Asian Chicken Meatballs a toasty crunch, while extra sliced green onions add a pop of freshness and color. You could also sprinkle a little chopped cilantro for even more herbal notes, or add a drizzle of sriracha if your crowd loves a little heat. Play around and make it your own!

Side Dishes

These meatballs shine with so many different pairings. I especially love serving them over fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice, where they soak up every drop of that glaze. Noodles—especially soba or rice noodles—make an awesome, slurpable base. For vegetables, try bright steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crunchy Asian slaw to keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the basics, try skewering the meatballs with cocktail picks for a playful party appetizer, or stuffing them into lettuce cups with carrot ribbons and cucumber for an easy, hand-held main. Leftovers? Slice them up and pop them into a rice bowl, use as a banh mi sandwich filling, or wrap in a soft steamed bao for lunch on the go. The possibilities are almost endless, and each one puts a fresh spin on your Asian Chicken Meatballs!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Asian Chicken Meatballs tasting their best, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for easy lunches or weeknight dinners. Reheat gently to keep them juicy and tender.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the cooked and cooled meatballs (without glaze) freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, move them to a freezer bag or container; they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Freeze the glaze separately in a small container so you can reheat and toss everything together for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs and glaze in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also warm them in the microwave, just cover the container so they don’t dry out. For best results, avoid overcooking since reheated chicken can dry out if not watched closely.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in place of chicken and offers a very similar texture and flavor. Just be sure to use a blend with a bit of fat so your meatballs stay tender and moist.

Are Asian Chicken Meatballs gluten free?

As written, the recipe contains breadcrumbs and standard soy sauce, both of which have gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! You can bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Baking is a wonderful hands-off alternative, especially when you’re cooking for a crowd.

Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs one day ahead and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can also mix and freeze the raw meatballs to cook from frozen whenever a craving strikes—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. Otherwise, you can cut a meatball open and check that it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a family favorite that’s both weeknight-easy and guest-worthy, these Asian Chicken Meatballs are calling your name. They come together quickly, are endlessly versatile, and offer a perfect combo of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Give them a try and don’t be surprised if they become a requested dish on repeat!

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